The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can have the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.

On a navy blue field is a sunflower, the state flower. Also, the state seal and the words "Kansas". In the picture of the state seal are thirty-four stars representing the order of statehood. Above the stars is the motto "To the Stars Through Difficulties". On the seal a sunrise overshadows a farmer plowing a field near his log cabin, a steamboat sailing the Kansas River, a wagontrain heading west and Native Americans hunting bison.

Welcome to the National Federation of the Blind of Kansas World-Wide Web Site

The real problem of blindness is not the lack of eyesight. The real problem is the misunderstanding and lack of information that exists. If a blind person has proper training and opportunity, blindness is only a physical nuisance.

We are a proud member of the National Federation of the Blind, the Nation's oldest and largest organization of blind persons in the United States with local chapters and affiliated divisions of blind consumers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Purpose:

Our purpose is to integrate the blind of Kansasand our nation in to society on a basis of equallity with our sighted neighbors. We're accomplishing this through innovative and exciting initiatives. Most important of all we are the blind speaking for ourselves.

Our new home on the World-Wide Web is a leading source of information on blindness and the activities of the National Federation of the Blind of Kansas. We invite you to explore these pages and learn about our parent organization by visiting the links on this page to access additional information about the NFB and how we are changing what it means to be blind.

Upcoming Events

NFB Kansas 2018 State Convention

Mark your calendars/save the dates for the National Federation of the Blind of Kansas 2018 State Convention to be held the weekend of November 2 thru 4 at The Hotel at Old Town is located in the heart of Old Town, approximately seven miles from Dwight D. Eisenhower Airport.

Fellowship and fun at our welcoming reception on Friday and happy hour on Saturday.

Banquet address by National Representative Anil Lewis

Informative speakers on topics of interest to blind Kansans

National and State reports

Annual Business meeting

Great live band on Saturday night

We plan to focus on topics including: education of blind children, skills training
for blind people of all ages, and our ongoing advocacy work and partnerships. I hope to get to meet and spend time with you.

NFB of Kansas Scholarship Program

Its that time again to think about applying for the National Federation of the Blind of Kansas Scholarship to be given at the 2018 convention in November. The NFB of Kansas will be giving up to $5500 in scholarships! Deadline is August 31st and winners will be notified by September 30.

What's New

The 2019 NFB Scholarship Program will begin accepting applications from November 1, 2018 through March 31, 2019. Go to
https://nfb.org/scholarships for information.

Whitecane Awareness Day

White canes help blind people live the lives we want. The white cane does more than tell the sighted that we're blind; it is a tool for freedom and self-determination because it allows blind people to come and go on our own. Since we can travel safely and independently, we can contribute in the workplace, in our communities, and in society. Celebrate White Cane Awareness Day on October 15 by giving the gift of independence.
Donate, so that Whitecanes can be given FREE.

Useful Links

Dream Makers Circle

You can help build a future of opportunity for the blind by becoming a member of our Dream Makers Circle. Your legacy gift to the National Federation of the Blind or the National Federation of the Blind of {insert state} can be made in the form of a will or living trust, an income generating gift, or by naming us as the beneficiary of a retirement plan, IRA, pension, or a life insurance policy. You can designate a specific amount, a percentage, or list NFB as one of several beneficiaries. For additional information, please contact Patti Chang at (410) 659-9314, extension 2422 or at pchang@nfb.org.

National Federation of the Blind Vehicle Donation Program

As a national fundraiser, the National Federation of the Blind has partnered with Vehicles for Charity to launch a new vehicle donation program. The NFB’s vehicle donation program accepts almost any vehicle, including cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles and recreational vehicles. All donations may be eligible for a tax deduction on your federal income tax return.

For more information, or to donate a vehicle:

Tap Track - Newsletter

Building the Lives We Want

From its beginning in 1940, the National Federation of the Blind has been the driving force behind a powerful people's movement. It has raised expectations, shattered assumptions, and broken down barriers to secure the full participation of blind people in every aspect of society. Building the Lives We Want traces the history of the blindness movement from its dawn in the nineteenth century to the founding of the Federation in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The story continues with the first efforts at grassroots organizing and the emergence of the Federation as an instrument of change. The book portrays Federationists working tirelessly for access to education, employment, and equal rights.

The work of the Federation has been carried forward through the dedicated efforts of thousands of men and women fighting for equality, security, and opportunity for all blind people. This ebook brings the story of the movement to life through the voices of its leaders and rank-and-file members. In addition to the extensive material in the text itself, the book amplifies the story through dozens of photographs and hundreds of links to articles, speeches, and songs. It demonstrates how, through seventy-five years of collective action, working together with love, hope, and determination, blind people are finding the freedom to build the lives they want.

The Nations Blind Podcast

The Journal of Blindness Innovation and Research (JBIR) is the first international, interdisciplinary open access journal created by blind people, parents, teachers, administrators, and academic researchers designed to further efforts to address the real problems of blindness.

NFB of Kansas Listserv

Want to ensure you don't miss any of the latest news and information from the National Federation of the Blind? You can get firsthand access to all of our newest videos, photos, and information on our social media channels. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to our YouTube channel, and you won't miss a thing!

Contact Information

For further information about the NFB of Kansas and its activities feel free to contact our president using the information given below:

What Is The NfB All About, (New One-Minute Message)

Dear Friends:

I am often asked, “What is the National Federation of the Blind all about?” I’m sure you are asked the same question. Our new one-minute message, which we have introduced as part of our new branding effort, is one way to answer that question. This message is meant to be shared with potential members, potential donors, and members of the general public. Here’s a link to a video (http://youtu.be/rRYPRbsA-wE) that we have produced with NFB members conveying the one-minute message. Please take a moment to watch this very short video, and then take just a few more minutes to share the link with your family and friends via e-mail or through your preferred social networking platform. Help us to spread our positive message about blindness and blind people: you can have the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back!

If you experience any difficulty using this Web site report all technical issues to: